The Startup Story

Jaime Schmidt, founder of Schmidt’s Naturals

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About this episode

Jaime Schmidt started Schmidt’s Naturals after attending a local recreational class on how to make shampoo. From that class, she grew Schmidt’s Naturals to the point that Unilever bought Schmidt’s Naturals just seven years from when she started.

Since Jaime’s sale of Schmidt’s Naturals to Unilever, she continues to represent the brand as an ambassador. However, she is now working on two new ventures, her book, Supermaker, is set to be released in the Fall. And she is also the co-founder of Color, an inclusive funding for early-stage consumer brands venture capital company. Both are centered around elevating the entrepreneurial story for makers and underrepresented founders.

I am so excited for you to hear this episode of The Startup Story podcast because I love Jaime’s story, and I think you will too. Her story paints a complete picture of how incredible entrepreneurship can genuinely be. This is Jaime Schmidt’s startup story.

In this episode, you'll hear:
  • How entrepreneurship seemed to come naturally to Jaime, from having the best lemonade stand on the block to providing neighbors laminated ‘save the date’ cards weeks in advance of a lemonade sale.
  • Her business-savvy expanded to babysitting during her preteen years. Her parents’ encouragement to save half of her earnings enabled Jaime to buy her first car.
  • How growing up, attending college was expected as the next step, so even though Jaime had no clear path in mind, she attended Michigan State University.
  • She chose a business degree with a focus in Human Resources because she did enjoy working with people.
  • Her first employer paid for continuing education, which enabled her to get a Masters Degree in Sociology.
  • Unfulfilled by Human Resources, Jaime took time off to figure out what she wanted to do with her life and her career.
  • About the fateful Google search, which led Jaime to a shampoo making class, the class inspired her creative side and competitive side.
  • After creating her shampoos and products, she eventually began to sell at Farmers Markets and used customer feedback to perfect them.
  • Jaime describes her business journey and how she was able to enter the retail market as a result of being in Farmers Markets.
  • The growth of her company: manufacturing in her kitchen, to eventually moving to a larger manufacturing space to create products for large retailers.
  • Why she thinks inserting some of your own story into your brand is necessary; and what she says she would do differently.
  • What she is doing now: including the release of her book, Supermaker, and the work she is doing with the Color.

    • “I have never been the type to look too far ahead. I just took every single day at a time and decided that I would NEVER say no to anything.” – Jaime Schmidt, Schmidt’s Naturals

    Resources from this episode

    Schmidt’s Naturals - https://schmidts.com/

    Jaime on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/JaimeSchmidt/
    Schmidt’s Naturals on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/schmidtsnaturals/

    Jaime’s book, Supermaker: Crafting Business On Your Own Terms, is scheduled to be released on September 8th. If you register for Startup Story LIVE at http://startupstorylive.com you will receive a very special offer for her book!

    Color Capital - https://color.capital/

    The Startup Story LIVE - Virtual Conference: http://startupstorylive.com

    The Startup Story on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thestartupstory
    The Startup Story is now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jamesmckinney
    The Startup Story on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestartupstory

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    EPISODE CREDITS

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.

    He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.

    Contact him today at https://emeraldcitypro.com/startupstory

    Special Guest: Jaime Schmidt.

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    The Startup StoryBy James McKinney